The Township of Lake of Bays
Lake of Bays:
Economic Development Strategic Plan (2024)
IN COLLABORATION WITH OOSTERBAAN STRATEGY
KLB Consulting, in partnership with Oosterbaan Strategy, undertook a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to develop the Lake of Bays Economic Development Plan. Their foundational work involved extensive secondary research, meticulously reviewing a wide array of existing documents such as the “Tapestry of Place (Cultural Tourism Strategy),” “Lake of Bays Community Improvement Plan,” “Parks, Open Space and Recreation Plan,” and the “Dorset Waterfront Plan and Downtown Study,” among others. This thorough document analysis aimed to understand the historical context, existing policies, and previous strategic initiatives impacting the Township. Beyond documents, KLB Consulting also conducted in-depth analyses of regional industry trends, examining socioeconomic and demographic factors, and delving into Statistics Canada and local labour market data to build a robust understanding of Lake of Bays’ economic landscape.
A significant portion of KLB Consulting's work centered on in-depth community engagement, designed to gather diverse perspectives and ensure the strategic plan was genuinely reflective of local needs and aspirations. This involved posing seven specific questions to the community to collect insights on economic development needs. The engagement process included a survey that garnered 275 responses from year-round residents, seasonal residents, businesses, and local organizations. Further in-depth understanding was achieved through twelve one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders and businesses, as well as two public workshops in Baysville and Dwight, which saw over 40 attendees. Additionally, social media feedback opportunities were utilized to broaden the reach of the consultation. While there was a noted challenge in securing participation from the business community, the multi-pronged consultation approach ensured a wide range of viewpoints were considered, informing the strategic direction and action items within the plan.
The strategic plan developed by KLB Consulting and Oosterbaan Strategy presents a clear framework for economic development in Lake of Bays over the next five years, aiming to balance growth with environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of life for all.
Key Components:
Focusing on enhancing the business environment, attracting investment, and developing Lake of Bays as a destination for residents and visitors.
In-depth background document review.
Analysis of Statistics Canada and local labour market data.
Community consultation through social media questions, a survey, interviews, and focus groups with key stakeholders and businesses
Identifying geographic features, hamlets, and assets such as Lake of Bays and other lakes, as well as key partners.
Contact:
Zack Lafleur, Economic Development Officer, Nipissing First Nation
Phone: 705-753-2050 ext. 1264 | Email: zackl@nfn.ca